Terence English, a district judge sitting at East Berkshire magistrates' court, Slough, told Hugo Keith, a lawyer acting for the Royal couple, that he expected both defendants to appear before him on Nov 21. "These are not proceedings that can take place in their absence," he said.

Mr Keith told the court that the Princess was unable to attend yesterday's hearing because she was on a charity visit to Ethiopia, which he described as "official business abroad". He added: "It is quite normal for the first day of a summons to be adjourned in the absence of a defendant. There are good reasons for this today."

The case arises from an alleged incident in which two boys, aged seven and 12, who cannot be identified, were said to have been attacked by the couple's bull terrier.

The Princess was listed as case number 02595640 under the name of Laurence, Anne Elizabeth Alice. Her husband was listed as Laurence, Timothy James Hamilton. Their names appeared among several dozens of other cases, including licensing and bail applications.

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The summons, under the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act, alleges that: "On April 1, 2002, at Windsor, it is said that the defendants were in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control in a public place, namely Windsor Great Park."

It is expected that the charge will be formally put to the Princess, 52, and her husband, 47, when they appear next month.

Defendants usually await their appearances in the small reception area of the brick-built courthouse. Tea and coffee is available from a machine and notices in various languages offer advice on legal support. It is expected, however, that the Princess and Cdre Laurence will be allowed to wait in private.